Blind assembly fastener system

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and methods for coupling a first panel to a second panel via a fastening system. The fastening system comprises fastener and a doghouse structure. The fastener includes a head assembly coupled to a collar. The collar is configured to pass through and to retain the second panel via an opening formed in the second panel. The doghouse structure defines a chamber that is configured to receive and secure the head assembly. The doghouse structure is positioned on the first panel and is configured to pass at least partially through the opening.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A fastener for forming a blind connection between a first panel and a second panel, the fastener comprising:
 a head assembly; and 
 a retention feature extending outwardly from the fastener at an end opposite the head assembly;
 wherein the fastener is configured to attach the first panel adjacent to the second panel, the first panel having a doghouse structure and the second panel having an opening formed therethrough, 
 wherein, when assembled, the opening is positioned about the doghouse structure with the head assembly positioned within the doghouse structure to from the blind connection, and 
 wherein the doghouse structure and head assembly are configured to pass at least partially through the opening. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the doghouse structure defines a chamber that is configured to receive and secure the head assembly. 
     
     
       3. The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener is a W-type fastener. 
     
     
       4. The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener is a push pin fastener or a pin and grommet (P&G) fastener. 
     
     
       5. The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener comprises one or more ribs configured to support the doghouse structure and to control over-travel. 
     
     
       6. The fastener of  claim 5 , wherein the one or more ribs are positioned at an interface between the doghouse structure and the first panel. 
     
     
       7. The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener comprises a wing coupled to the head assembly and shaped as a spring to absorb movement between the first panel and the second panel. 
     
     
       8. The fastener of  claim 1 , further comprising a seal configured to surround the doghouse structure between the first panel and the second panel. 
     
     
       9. The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the retention feature is configured to engage the second panel via a catch. 
     
     
       10. The fastener of  claim 9 , wherein the retention feature includes a return arm resiliently connected to the end opposite the head assembly via a collar and configured to deflect as the collar is passed through the opening. 
     
     
       11. The fastener of  claim 9 , wherein the catch is configured to engage the second panel at a location adjacent to the doghouse structure. 
     
     
       12. A fastening system comprising:
 a first panel having a first surface and a second surface; 
 a doghouse structure formed on the second surface, wherein the doghouse structure defines a chamber; 
 a second panel defining an opening; and 
 a fastener having a head assembly and a retention feature extending outwardly from the fastener at an end opposite the head assembly, 
 wherein the chamber is configured to receive the head assembly and the retention feature is configured to pass through and to retain the second panel via the opening, and 
 wherein the doghouse structure and head assembly are configured to pass at least partially through the opening. 
 
     
     
       13. The fastening system of  claim 12 , wherein the first surface is an A-surface and the second surface is a B-surface. 
     
     
       14. The fastening system of  claim 12 , wherein the fastener comprises a retention feature configured to engage the second panel via a catch. 
     
     
       15. The fastening system of  claim 12 , wherein the fastener is a W-type fastener. 
     
     
       16. The fastening system of  claim 12 , wherein the fastener comprises a wing shaped as a spring to absorb movement between the first panel and the second panel. 
     
     
       17. A fastening system comprising:
 a first panel having a first surface and a second surface; 
 a doghouse structure formed on the second surface, wherein the doghouse structure defines a chamber; 
 a second panel defining an opening that corresponds to an outer perimeter of the doghouse structure; and 
 a fastener having a head assembly and a retention feature extending outwardly from the fastener at an end opposite the head assembly, 
 wherein the chamber is configured to receive the head assembly and the retention feature is configured to pass through and to retain the second panel via the opening, and 
 wherein the doghouse structure is configured to pass at least partially through the opening. 
 
     
     
       18. The fastening system of  claim 17 , wherein the opening sized to provide a desired amount of longitudinal movement or lateral movement. 
     
     
       19. The fastening system of  claim 17 , wherein the opening sized to provide a minimal amount of longitudinal movement or lateral movement. 
     
     
       20. The fastening system of  claim 17 , wherein the minimal amount is ±0.25 mm.